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5 from 1 vote

Surprise-Ingredient Cheese Quesadillas

These magical Oaxacan Cheese Quesadillas only take about 3 minutes to make, and are made with 3 surprise ingredients that pack in some BIG delicious flavors.  Feel free to include any of the extra add-ins below as well!
Prep Time1 minute
Cook Time2 minutes
Total Time3 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: gluten free, vegetarian
Servings: 1 serving

Ingredients

  • butter or oil
  • corn (or small flour) tortillas
  • Oaxaca cheese*
  • fresh epazote leaves
  • your favorite fresh salsa for serving

Instructions

  • Heat 1 teaspoon butter or oil in a medium sauté pan over medium-high heat.
  • Lay the tortilla flat in the pan, and place a chunk of Oaxaca cheese (I use about a 2-inch long strip) on one half of the tortilla, topped with an epazote leaf or two.
  • Sauté for 30 seconds or so, until the cheese begins to melt.  Then fold the (non-cheese) half of the tortilla over to form a little folded pocket.  Sauté for an extra 30 seconds or so per side, flipping once, until the tortilla is lightly browned and the cheese is completely melted.  (
  • Transfer to a serving plate and serve immediately with your favorite salsa.

Notes

Some optional add-ins could include any mix of the following:
  • cooked protein (shrimp, chicken, beef, carnitas, etc.)
  • sautéed or roasted veggies (poblano peppers, mushrooms, corn, squash, cauliflower, etc.)
  • raw veggies (sliced avocado, diced red onion, chopped fresh cilantro, etc.)
  • beans (black, pinto, etc.)
  • I also like sprinkling on a tiny pinch of sea salt to the melted cheese for extra flavor
*I highly recommend using Oaxaca cheese for these quesadillas.  (I'm usually able to make 7-10 quesadillas per package.)  But if it's not available at your grocery store, fresh pepperjack or mozzarella would also be delicious.